Book Description

Australia's 'gateway cities' occupy a significant place within the economy, even given the prominence of the capital cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. However, they have been underestimated in terms of public policy. Current debates on fiscal rebalancing need to recognise the latent economic potential of these gateway cities, while social policies should also incorporate the opportunities that the gateway cities offer in bridging the divide between metropolitan Australia and the regions. Changes in the global marketplace are behind the growth of jobs and population in urban Australia. To accommodate that growth, gateway cities have capacity for more Australians to work, live and play here. We also have a capability to expand industry, manufacturing, property development, education and health services. In this report, we address the nature and contribution of the gateway cities - also characterised internationally as 'second cities', consider the human dimension of these communities and their contribution to our national development and conclude with a review of policy settings and recommendations focused on future growth.